Once again, conference has been held. The thousands of members and friends who filled the Conference Center at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City and the millions who watched or listened throughout the world now are engaged in other activities.

Except for some key phrases, most likely many of us have forgotten the precise words spoken from the pulpit during the 172nd Annual General Conference. However, most will remember, perhaps for the rest of our lives, the spirit of the messages delivered April 6 and 7, 2002.

This conference was held in the spring, a time in the northern hemisphere symbolizing birth, renewed growth, emergence into the light of lengthened days after months of darkness brought by longer nights.

Conference was held in the midst of changing seasons. Fittingly so, for general conference is a season of change. Can anyone who truly listened remain the same?

If we have understood the significance and importance of the messages spoken by apostles, prophets and other leaders, we will find that we really have changed. We will be better workers in the Lord's kingdom; better servants of the Master; better neighbors and friends to Heavenly Father's other children; better sons and daughters, brothers and sisters in earthly as well as heavenly definitions of "family." In short, we will be better people as we return to our daily lives rededicated to following the counsel the Lord gave us through the voices of those He has called to speak for Him.

At the dawning of this dispensation, the Lord declared: "And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days. . . .

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:4, 38.)

As conference concluded, did we stop to consider that we had heard the mind, will and word of the Lord, given to us at this particular time? So powerful is this concept that our thoughts might be stunned to think that the Lord deigns to speak to us, right now, in the year 2002. Contrary to what some might claim, communication has not ceased between heaven and earth.

At no time before has it been possible to spread so widely the messages of that communication. Television and radio broadcasts, the printed word, satellite links and Internet sites make it possible for members in many parts of the world to know immediately what has been spoken.

The Church News provides reports, which might help refresh readers' memories of what was said at conference, but these are highlights of the proceedings. Those who have Internet access may read full texts on the Church News web site: www.ldschurchnews.com. The Church's web site has not only full texts but also audio: www.lds.org.

The more traditional way of reading full texts of conference addresses is the May issue of the Ensign magazine. Video and cassette tapes, as well as compact discs and digital video discs, of conference sessions will be made available through Church distribution centers.

We ought to take advantage of the many opportunities we have to see, hear or read discourses delivered at general conference.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God. . . ." (Doctrinal History of the Church 3:379.)

Listening to or reading the words spoken during conference will increase our faith and keep refreshed in our memories the spirit of those messages.